Финляндия

                                                                Finland

           I’d like to tell you about my Christmas vocations in Finland.

          Finland - a country of lakes and the northern lights, the country of Santa Claus and Snow Queen, a country of pristine forests and nature ... Everything is there for the full and peaceful holiday - a wonderful environment, wonderful nature, tourism industry development, interesting monuments, attractions and much more. Boat cruises on huge ocean liners, exciting excursions, winter and summer fishing in Finnish lakes and rivers, sea fishing and recreation at ski resorts in Finland - all of these every year in Finland attracts many of people. And of course, one can not help but recall the residence of Santa Claus, is located in a country with a fabulous name «Lapland». Meet the New Year and Christmas in Finland to see Santa Claus, and even receive a present from him – what can be more pleasant.

         These everything attracted my attention and I decided to go to tourist agency. There I was told about the trip and the price was not very high, I bought tour. The train to Finland was going from Moscow, and I reached Moscow also by train. At the railway station were a lot of tourists, who wanted spend Christmas in Finland as me. We were given special, very comfortable long distances train. I had great two person compartment, and my fellow passenger was a young girl, who also traveled alone. I get acquainted with her and she seemed very nice person. At nine p.m. we had already been at Finland railway station. All tourists were divided into three groups and were given a guide. She was a girl of 25 years old, her name was Willie. She took us to the hotel and said that the 5 days’ tour began the next day at 8 a.m.

            Everyone from small to large knows that Santa Claus lived far to the north, in Lapland fairy-tale country. This is the northern part of Finland, which extends beyond the Arctic Circle, the center recognized as the world's Christmas tourism. Our tour must be finished with meeting Santa Claus, but familiarity with the Christmas Finland began with the Helsinki. It is the capital of Finland.  Despite its port status (the town is situated on the shores of Gulf of Bothnia), Helsinki is renowned for its purity and cleanliness, fresh air, beautiful landscapes, as well as interesting and graceful architecture. Perhaps the most famous local architecture - a complex of buildings in the Empire style in the Senate Square. In the center of the square stands a monument to Russian Emperor Alexander II, and around - Lutheran Cathedral, the State Council, the University Library and the main building of University of Helsinki.

            In one hundred meters from Senate Square are: Market Square «Kauppatori» - the most beautiful place in Helsinki, indoor market «Kauppahalli»; Palace of the President; town city hall; Esplanadna Park    «Espa» and a fountain with a bronze sculpture «Havis Amanda»- a unique symbol of the city. In addition to the market square is a famous monument in honor of visiting the city of the Imperial family, erected in 1835 on the project of sculptor Engel.

           We traveled by bus it is very convenient, it gives a good opportunity for seeing all beauties of a place. I liked Helsinki. Next day we visited National Museum of Finland, located in the center of Helsinki on the street Mannerheim, it was interesting not only for its collections, but also as an architectural monument, built in the style of National Romanism.

          Even before the holidays in Finland gets a lot of snow. So undeniable plus of Christmas tours in the country is plenty of opportunity to ski. And the third day we did that. There were everything - from the full gear in the rolling points to a well-equipped and lighted plains and mountain trails. That was very excited and unforgettable.

           On the fourth day we were sent to the north - to the province of Kainuu and Lapland – to see the real exotic of Finland winter. Among other things, the fabulous gift for us were unusually beautiful polar night. At least only for that dazzling white snow, indescribable trembling of northern lights, wild, primeval beauty of nature it is worth to travel to Lapland in that «the fifth season of the year», which is called «Kaamos». There is hardly another place on earth where you can see so many deer. Winter collection of thousands of reindeer herds - one of the most picturesque sights of Northern world.

             The first part of  the last day was free… We went shopping, bought some souvenirs, had a dinner in café of Finland kitchen. And afternoon we went to Rovaniemi – capital of Lapland for farewell excursion. There we saw Santa Claus. He was very funny and kind. Meeting with Santa Claus at a specially equipped halt of the forest (camp) near the crackling fire, towering the flames up to heaven was great. The atmosphere of mystery and moving fairy tale made this event extraordinary similar with a scene at a fire from a story «Twelve months».

              Next morning our bus took us to the station, there we got to the train and went out from the wonderful world of a fairy tail.